Partner Acrobatics (often referred to as AcroYoga, or Acro) offers an exploration into partner dynamics, through balance postures and movement. We will be working on supporting (basing) and flying in a variety of postures, learning how to use (as well as develop) strength, stability and balance. Each class will offer a focus on different moves, allowing you to slowly build up your repertoire. If you have never tried anything like this, don't worry, this class is meant to be for everyone. We will gladly walk you through the basics. Now remember, this class is all about having fun and possibly learning something about yourself in the process. It will be available on a drop-in basis, until there is enough interest to develop into a progressive series. The cost will be $15/class, or $50/month. You can come solo, or with a partner. For more information, please check out the listed website.
Ann Arbor Ringstar Studio, 3907 Varsity Dr, Ann Arbor MI 48108. $15. connor@connorotto.comwww.a2ringstar.com [map]

Class meets Tuesdays, January 7 - July 29, and will be facilitated by Irma Sklenar and William Milne.

We will spend 10-15 minutes discussing the previous week's events. Participants will then be asked to present an item of interest, which is discussed by the group. All opinions are welcome. Discussions tend to be lively and spirited.
Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd. $40. 734-998-9351. olli.info@umich.eduwww.olli-umich.org [map]

Our premier, comprehensive childbirth class is designed for pregnant women and their partners. This in-depth, interactive 12-hour series meets on weekday nights at three different locations throughout Ann Arbor. The series covers a wide range of topics in-depth based on Lamaze International's Six Healthy Birth Practices, including: •the various stages of labor, birth, and early postpartum including early breastfeeding overview; •relaxation and breathing techniques, comfort measures and positions for labor and delivery; •partner's role with laboring mom; •pain management options and birth interventions; hospital procedures, and Cesarean birth.

Static trapeze, or fixed trapeze, is a circus art performed on the bars and ropes of a mainly stationary trapeze. This class is designed for beginning aerialists to gain confidence and strength in the fundamentals of Static Trapeze. You will learn to get on and off the trapeze unassisted, as well as seated and under the bar poses. Strength makes it seamless! This is also an excellent conditioning class for established aerialists looking to hone their transitions and perfect their technique, without focusing on choreography. Be ready to build strength, flexibility, and coordination - not to mention bruises in unusual places…! $15 for a single class $150 for a seven week series
A2 Aviary, 4720 S. State Rd, Ann Arbor, MI. $25-$150. 734-726-0353. contact@a2aviary.comhttp://a2aviary.com/offerings/static-trapeze-1/ [map]

"Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do" is a FREE, ongoing 2-part series. Part 1 is presented on the first Tuesday of October, November, and January through June and provides information on how to recognize and understand adolescent substance abuse. Part 2 is presented on the second Tuesday of October, November, and January through June, provides information on what should and should not be done to help when a teen substance abuse problem is recognized, and concludes with a short talk by a young person in recovery. The series is presented by Dawn Farm and Growth Works therapists, and is co-sponsored by Dawn Farm, the Livingston/Washtenaw Regional Coordinated School Health Program Advisory Team, and St. Joseph Mercy Greenbrook Recovery Center. It's free and open to all. Programs are targeted primarily to parents but are inclusive of teens, family members, professionals, students, and anyone interested.
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center, classroom EC4, 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, Ypsilanti. Free. (734) 485-8725. info@dawnfarm.orghttp://www.teensusingdrugs.org [map]

Wednesday

Terry Bean & Charlie Wollborg of uNetworked, Motor City Connect and Curve Detroit Marketing"Using your brains, heart and talent to achieve your goals and flourish in the relationship economy and/or zombie apocalypse."Join us for the first LA2M presentation of 2014. From the above description you are not going to want to miss out on this one! Terry and Charlie will be an entertaining duo to start off the new year right. Between the two of them, they have knowledge from multiple companies and experiences, who will be sure you teach you a thing or two!
Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main Street. Donation. 734-272-4698. info@la2m.orgla2m.org [map]

Have you ever wanted to be a mermaid? How about a unicorn? Luna will teach you how, and so much more in this intro to burlesque technique and group choreography class! Dance for fun, dance for exercise. This class will include a jazz-based warmup to get your body ready to move and exercises to teach you the theory and technique of burlesque. We will then work on choreographed routines to build confidence and style for stage and for life! All students enrolled in the full seven week session will have the opportunity to perform their group routine at LIFT OFF< our student showcase.$12 for a single class$75 for a 7 week session
A2 Aviary, 4720 S. State Rd, Ann Arbor, MI. $12-$75. 734-726-0353. contact@a2aviary.comhttp://a2aviary.com/offerings/burlesque-1/ [map]

Thursday

MHealthy's Winter Exercise and Relaxation Class registration is still open!Classes run January 9 - April 23. MHealthy offers more than 120 classes ranging from step aerobics and body sculpting to Pilates, spinning, yoga, Zumba, and everything in between! Classes are open to the U-M community as well as to the general public, and are held at various campus locations and at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. There is a class for you at a location near you! For class schedule and cost information, call (734) 647-7888 or visit http://www.Mhealthy.umich.edu/exercise.
Various University of Michigan locations. Various prices. mhealthy@umich.eduhttp://hr.umich.edu/mhealthy/programs/activity/classes/index.html

Sensory Processing: More than just 5 senses.Did you know that there are actually more than just 5 senses? Our sensory system consist of 7 categories, including proprioception, tactile, vestibular, visual, auditory, gustatory, and olfactory senses. This discussion will look at the way our bodies take in sensory information from the environment, organize it, and then use it within our everyday life.Sensory Issues VS Behavioral, Emotional, or Transition issuesIs it a sensory problem? Or is it a behavioral, emotional, or transitional problem? Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between these 4 areas of concern. This discussion will help to aide us to identify the root of the issue; whether it's sensory-based, related to a behavioral or emotional issue, or is it difficulties with being able to transition.Series sponsored by Clonlara School and Leaps & Bounds Therapy Services
Clonlara School, 1289 Jewett Ave, Ann Arbor. Free. 734-926-4617. martha@clonlara.orgwww.clonlara.org/campus/event [map]

Hoop Dance is a cardio based workout that uses many different muscles of the body. It challenges both the mind and body while you learn moves that require skill, balance, and technique. "Hooping" is fun and challenging and will leave you wanting more. Please wear comfortable clothing and of course bring your hoop. There will be a limited number of hoops available for those who don't have one. $12 for a single class$75 for a 7 week session
A2 Aviary, 4720 S. State Rd, Ann Arbor, MI. $12-$75. 734-726-0353. contact@a2aviary.comhttp://a2aviary.com/offerings/hula-hoop/ [map]

Your heart and mind are incredibly powerful forces for transforming your life. The universe responds to your thoughts, feelings and beliefs in predictable and controllable ways. When you learn to understand and apply the laws of the spiritual and energetic world- your whole life will change. But don't just believe it- experience it for yourself!This amazing series will teach you to recognize and apply the fundamental energetic and spiritual laws that govern the world around you. You will leave each class with simple and practical exercises that will change your life. Every exercise will bring you closer to knowing your own creative power. This class is simple enough for beginners and deep enough to provide new insights to long-term practitioners.

The Lyra (also known as the aerial hoop, aerial ring or cerceau) is a circular steel apparatus, resembling a hula hoop. It is suspended from the ceiling and can be used static, spinning, or swinging. This class is designed for beginning aerialists to gain confidence and strength in the fundamentals of Lyra. You will learn to get on and off the apparatus unassisted, as well as seated and under the bar poses. This is also an excellent conditioning class for established aerialists looking to hone their transitions and perfect their technique, without focusing on choreography. Be ready to build strength, flexibility, and coordination - not to mention bruises in unusual places…!$12 for a single class $75 for a seven week series
A2 Aviary, 4720 S. State Rd, Ann Arbor, MI. $25-$150. 734-726-0353. contact@a2aviary.comhttp://a2aviary.com/offerings/lyra-1/ [map]

Banish the winter doldrums, and satisfy that resolution to learn a new skill at the same time...join us at the FLY studio every Friday, and learn to knit! Each week in this four-week session we will explore a new technique, each building on the next, with a new project being started each class. Class tuition is $20 per student per class or all 4 for $75. Supplies are provided for all classes, as well as a "how-to" instruction reminder. Flight Instructor is Katie Whitehouse, who has been teaching knitting to others for over 10 years. Classes are suitable for folks ages 8 and up. Register at www.flyartcenter.org!January 10, 7:30pm - Knitting/week 1: Casting on/Knit stitch - Make a Dishcloth!January 17, 7:30pm - Knitting/week 2: Casting off/Purl stitch - Make a Ribbed Scarf!January 24, 7:30pm - Knitting/week 3: Increasing/Decreasing - Make a Rosette or a Diagonal Stitch Cozy!January 31, 7:30pm - Knitting/week 4: Knitting in the Round - Make a Hat!Learn more about FLY and s
FLY Creativity Lab, 40 N Huron St, Ypsilanti. $20. info@flyartcenter.org. info@flyartcenter.orgwww.flyartcenter.org [map]

Saturday

Static trapeze, or fixed trapeze, is a circus art performed on the bars and ropes of a mainly stationary trapeze. This class is designed for beginning aerialists to gain confidence and strength in the fundamentals of Static Trapeze. You will learn to get on and off the trapeze unassisted, as well as seated and under the bar poses. Strength makes it seamless! This is also an excellent conditioning class for established aerialists looking to hone their transitions and perfect their technique, without focusing on choreography. Be ready to build strength, flexibility, and coordination - not to mention bruises in unusual places…! $15 for a single class $150 for a seven week series
A2 Aviary, 4720 S. State Rd, Ann Arbor, MI. $25-$150. 734-726-0353. contact@a2aviary.comhttp://a2aviary.com/offerings/static-trapeze-1/ [map]

Sunday

Two 4-week reality based self defense classes will be offered at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor. CKM is a reality-based self defense system utilized by Israeli Special Forces. Students learn the techniques needed to survive violent or aggressive encounters. The primary goal is survival.Preregistration is required. $40 per 4-week session for JCC member, $50 per session non-member. Sign up for both classes and save $20Students will learn techniques for:Gun DisarmingKnife Attacks and Hold-upsChokes & GrabsGround SurvivalHand-to-Hand Combat The Basics Class is geared for beginners and will be taught at a pace appropriate for all abilities (ages 14 and over). The Challenge Class (18 & over) will be for returning participants or individuals looking for a physically challenging, fast-paced environment. Workout attire is needed for both classesClasses run Jan 12, 19, 26, and Feb 2. The Basics Class is 1-2:15, and the Challenge Class is 2:30-3:45
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. $40-$50 for 4-week session/per class. (734) 971-0990. karenfreedland@jccfed.orgwww.commandokravmagachelsea.com [map]

Get a wonderful boost for your parenting with this 6 week class for parents of young children. Learn stress-reducing listening tools to help you: understand children's emotions; know what to do when children "lose it" (or you do!); set limits successfully, support close sibling relationships, lessen exhaustion, confusion and guilt as well as nurturing yourself and your connection to your children. Catherine Fischer is a mother, birth and postpartum doula and former elementary teacher. She has over 10 years' experience using and teaching these skills and strategies. She loves supporting parents and respects and appreciates the hard work parents do to love their children well. Please see website for more details and registration information.
Great Oak Cohousing Common House, 500 Little Lake Drive. $150 + $30 Materials fee. 734-395-5244. catherine@supportforgrowingfamilies.comwww.supportforgrowingfamilies.com [map]

Intro to the concept of well-being. Ideas taken from the book, FLOURISH, by Martin Seligman. The workshop will provide some ideas for understanding happiness and well-bing as well as provide some tools for getting the most out of life. Seligman emphacizes how to look at life and see possibilities, rather than constraints.While free, please call or e-mail to register.
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, 114 S. Main Street,. Free. 734-424-2797. carole777@aol.comwww.therapy4couples.com [map]

Led by Coral Rose of Unveiled Belly Dance and the Lunatic Vagabonds, this class combines belly dance movements with traditional fitness training to build your strength, stability, and balance. Class begins with conditioning and cardio, then continues on to the fundamental muscle isolations used in belly dance. The goal of this series is to build confident body posture and presentation as a foundation for movement though deep core strengthening, joint mobility, and isometrics.The class is an excellent warm up for Belly Dance Technique and choreography, which immediately follows.$12 for a single class$75 for a seven week series
A2 Aviary, 4720 S. State Rd, Ann Arbor, MI. $12-$75. 734-726-0353. contact@a2aviary.comhttp://a2aviary.com/offerings/belly-dance-1/ [map]

Led by Coral Rose of Unveiled Belly Dance and the Lunatic Vagabonds, this class drills your dance fundamentals and teaches choreography both traditional and not so much. Class begins with structured sequences of basic moves to hone your form, then moves on to teaching choreography for a full routine. Over the seven week series, each step will be broken down and practiced until you have a finished number, and choreography for the course will change every two series. Students enrolled in the full series are invited to perform at LIFT OFF!The Belly Dance Conditioning class immediately preceding is an excellent warm up for this class.$15 for a single class $90 for a seven week series
A2 Aviary, 4720 S. State Rd, Ann Arbor, MI. $15-$75. 734-726-0353. contact@a2aviary.comhttp://a2aviary.com/offerings/belly-dance-2/ [map]